Earth 40

Kara heard glasses clinking and concluded that Lena was not sleeping either. Getting up in her pajamas Kara walked to the living room and saw Lena curled up on the couch with a blanket. Lena noticing her presence turned to face her. with loose hair and barely a trace of make-up Kara found her beautiful.
"Kara ... can’t sleep?" Lena asked softly
"Doesn’t look like you could either," Kara said
"Come, sit with me," she offered with a calm smile “Do you want something to drink?”
“No thanks” Kara responded
When she sat by her side, Lena looked at her in silence for a few moments
"Why do you wear the glasses here? You don’t need too" she asked
"It's a reflex, I only take them off when I’m in my apartment," Kara admitted
"I know your secret," Lena grinned as she eased her glasses off gently "You do not need them with me, Supergirl," she teased
Kara looked down, bewildered. No one had ever taken her glasses off like that. A seemingly innocent but meaningful gesture for her when accompanied by the words Lena had given her. Luthor set her glasses on the glass table and returned her attention to the night sky. she drank a small sip of wine and cleared her throat.
"Tomorrow, when Cat Grant comes with her team, I'll have to kiss you," she said without looking at her
“why?” Kara raised her head
"It would be too weird if we didn’t give each other a kiss, don’t you think?" Lena added, looking at her with those beautiful emerald eyes.
"Yes, I suppose so," Kara murmured, feeling nervous again
It was hard for Lena to hide her smile. How adorable she was, like her Kara when they met and started to date.
"Don’t worry, it'll just be a peck, you'll follow the game plan and that's it”
“Agreed”
"And now it's better that we go lie down ..." Kara's cheeks flushed. Lena smiled "We have to sleep, right?" she mused.
"Yes, of course, good night, Lena…. again”
Kara spoke quickly and left the couch the same way, stumbling down the path back to her room.
"Fuck ..." Lena mumbled under her breath.
"Why do you have to look so much like her?"
XXXXXX

After a light breakfast by Lena and abundant by Kara, they finalized the details for the interview. Lena stepped in front of Kara and took hold of her hands.
"Focus on me and follow my lead, don’t worry about anything, everything will be fine. Kara nodded nervously. Lena squeezed her hands a little to infuse her with enough courage to face any villain and leaving her lacking it to face Cat Grant and her people.
The couple received their guests holding hands. Cat gave them a half-smile when she saw them.
"Good morning, Miss Luthor-Supergirl," said CatCo's mistress.
"Cat!" Lena answered with a smile, "welcome to our house”
"morning, Miss Grant," Kara said, watching her closely.
As was the case with the others, it was an exact copy of her longed-for boss, even in that look of slight mistrust she was giving her. Kara knew that Cat was one of the people who connect the most with the Supergirl of this world.
While Cat instructed her photographer and camera man, Lena led them into the living room, followed closely by Kara.
"I've been thinking that in addition to the televised interview, we should publish an article in CatCo magazine showing a closer, less formal facet," Cat explained, "to assert the idea that you are more than a ... supers partner."
Kara swallowed at the word partner. Lena looked at her tenderly and narrowed her distance, only inches from her face. she asked her in a whisper if it was all right, pretending complicity, she knew that Cat's employees did not take their eyes off her. Kara nodded.
"That sounds like an excellent idea, tell us what you thought of," Lena said.
"I'll write down some of the questions I'll ask you about later, and we could start with some photos," Cat said. “Roger, prepare the camera”
“Photos?” Kara whispered.
"it’s okay, I'll guide you." She winked at her and looked at Cat and the photographer.
They stood side by side, holding hands, but Cat frowned at them
"No, too formal ... we need something more relaxed, warmer"
Lena seemed to understand Cat's instructions and stood in front of Kara, guiding her arms around her waist. she rested her hands over Kara's, and a tilt of the head let Kara peek over her shoulder. The Kryptonian was stiff as a pole, and with an excessively serious expression.
"Relax, honey, it's just a few photos," Lena said. “she’s having a hard time quitting her reserved heroine pose," she joked.
The men laughed. Even Kara giggled. Cat smiled, Lena never ceased to amaze her with her ability to resolve a setback, she was proud to consider her friend.

The photographer refocused. Kara smiled awkwardly, her discomfort evident. She felt momentarily stunned by Lena's scent. she could feel the heat of her body as she held her. But Lena's excuse was convincing for everyone except for Cat, who knew the truth behind her plight. she felt compassion for her. What a strange and complicated situation they had to live in.

Cat was reviewing the photos her employee had just made. Lena took advantage of the moment to take Kara's hands again and move closer to her ear.
"Look at me," she whispered inaudibly to everyone but Kara. "Forget the cameras, pretend we're alone." Kara lost herself in Lena's eyes. "Ready?
she managed to react and nodded firmly. She was the girl of steel, she would not wilt over some simple photos.
Slowly, Kara let herself be carried away by Lena’s subtle indications. she began to relax and Roger's camera finally captured natural images. Supergirl and Lena Luthor sharing looks, laughter, hugs ... even a kiss on the cheek. Kara had managed to forget everything else, was starting to have fun and Lena thanked him. When he proposed a pose with a hand on her chest, Kara did not object, on the contrary, even strove to give more haughtiness to the gesture, causing some laughter amongst those present.

Cat, on the other hand, kept watching them, wondering how well they got along, and if they could get past to two women in love. Of course, she saw a certain connection between them. How long was the Supergirl-38 going to be in her world? Could Lena fall in love with the new Kara? And what could she possibly feel for Lena? Where was Supergirl of Earth-40 included into all of this? Cat felt uneasy at those disturbing thoughts and cut the photoshoot short, it was time to record the interview.

They settled on the couches in the large living room. Cat introduced the couple who both greeted the camera.
"seems as though Supergirl has finally returned from her mission in another world," Cat said.
"That's right," Lena said as she clasped her fingers with Kara's and pressed a little against her body. "I’m glad to have her here with me again," she added with a smile.
Kara took a quick look at their intimately joined hands, then looked at the camera, trying to smile as convincingly as possible.
Those smiles would satisfy the audience, but not cat grant. Lena's was tinged with sadness, because it was not true, her Supergirl had not returned, no matter how much she announced it to National City. While Kara's was nervous and even afraid to be discovered as the usurper that she really was. For a moment, Cat wished she did not know the truth behind the act, to be just one more of the populace who would believe it.

"How were these two months waiting for her?" sHe asked, looking at Lena.
"Imagine, your girlfriend so far away, facing dangerous creatures ..." Lena said confidently. There was no doubt that she was a professional of appearances, one of the acquired traits of being a Luthor- “I spent the two months praying to her god Rao to protect her and return her to me safe and sound”
Kara turned to her and looked at her tenderly. She liked that Lena used an element of her Kryptonian culture with that naturalness.
"And for you, Supergirl?" Cat asked, looking at Kara.
Suddenly she felt Lena squeeze her hand a little, wanting to convey support. Kara smiled and began to talk, after all, she had traveled to another world to fight dangerous creatures.
"Every day that I was away from home, I wanted to return to my place, by her side." Kara looked at Lena, who was staring at her as well, lips parted slightly. She was determined to match Lena's efforts to make it all go well. “Her memory gave me the strength to fight and do my best to survive and return to her ”
Lena blinked and opened her eyes, found herself on the same sofa, with those same blue eyes looking at her.
"Every time I'm out there fighting, thinking about you keeps me from giving up." Her Kara lifted her hands to her lips and kissed them, "because I have to come back, no matter what, I'll always come back to you, my love. "
Lena blinked again and returned to the present. She felt Kara still holding her hands. The Kryptonian sensed that Lena's heartbeat accelerated slightly, she knew it was anticipating something, but what?
Lena released her hands and rested them on Kara's cheeks, which she then understood and her heart also accelerated. Lena bent over her, closed her eyes and kissed her. It was only two seconds, but enough to leave Kara gasping like a fish out of the water as her lips parted.
"Well, it seems like your love is still going strong just as the first day," Cat exclaimed, drawing the attention of her staff, hogging the camera, and allowing her interviewees to regain their composure, especially Supergirl.

Kara knew that Lena had to kiss her, but she did not expect that such brief contact would leave her so affected. Was it because Lena Luthor was such a good kisser? Had she just thought Lena was a good kisser? she stopped staring at her and cleared her throat focusing on the interview. Lena also lifted her green eyes from her and took a deep breath.
"Tell me, will you continue with your public appearances?" Cat asked.
"Of course, it's part of our commitment to the city," said Lena, who seemed completely back to normal after the kiss, "and we really like to approach the people of National City.
"Yes, because we are just two more people in this beautiful city," Kara added with a smile, "and we want them to see us as such."
Lena took her hand again, invaded by a sense of pride at her words.

Several questions later, Cat terminated the interview and had her employees pick up the equipment. she approached the couple and spoke in a low tone.
"The kiss was very realistic, congratulations," said Cat, "it was a wise move” Kara lowered her eyes, while Lena smiled.
"I'll walk you to the door," Lena said, indicating with her arm to the exit.
Maybe this will be easier than I thought ... Lena makes it easy, Kara told herself as she watched silently as Lena dismissed Cat's team.
Once again alone, Kara approached Lena
"It went well, right?" she asks
"I'd say yes, Kara," Lena replied with a grin. "Excuse me, I'm going to my room for a moment."
“okay”
Lena closed the bedroom door, leaning back on it. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. The kiss had been seemed real because it had been real. Anyone who asked, would answer that that was what was expected of such an emotional moment like that. And they would believe it. Everyone would believe her, even Kara. she couldn’t possibly tell anyone the truth, that she had kissed her without thoughts of anything (or anyone) else, because her words and the way she had looked at her had confused her, causing her to see her Kara instead of her doppelganger.
XXXXXXX

Alex entered the DEO shooting range, Agent Vasquez had informed her that Maggie was there. When she located her, she stood stock still, entranced with the image Maggie shooting at the targets. Maggie Sawyer was always ready to draw her pistol. It was so fast that Alex was surprised, her aim was legendary in the police force and for a time, also the DEO. she knew that in a close combat, Alex could defeat her, with the five months of intensive training under J'onn's supervision had not been in vain, but with guns in between, she had no chance. she felt admiration for this ability.
"Danvers, do you want to compete?" Maggie demanded when she saw Alex approaching her.
"For you to wipe the floor with me like the last time?" she asked with a twist of her lips.
"And for us to play something that I could win? yes," she joked. receiving Alex with a warm kiss on the lips. "Are you trying to distract me?"
"Would I have a chance if I distracted you?" Said Alex.
"None, dear, we both know that," cried Maggie affectionately. turning to the target, which showed numerous holes in the head and chest area of the body. “I know you're worried about the condition of my leg, but my hands are fine, and my aim is intact.”
she loaded the pistol, aimed and fired repeatedly, widening the hole she had already created in the center of the head. Alex did not reply, it was more than clear that her words were not just baseless blunders.
"How go goes the investigation?" Maggie broke the silence.
"Kara's blood shows significant changes compared to when she was fine," Alex explained, "whatever it was that affected her did it internally, Winn is now monitoring her.”
Maggie noticed Alex's gloom and offered her the pistol.
"Come on, Danvers, I'll give you an advantage, you'll shoot three more shots than I do," she said, "whoever wins will give the other one a body massage," she suggested with a mischievous grin.
“You’re really cheeky today”
"even with the advantage I just gave you?" Maggie smiled, showing the tip of her tongue between her teeth.
"don’t you smile at me like that," Alex said, picking up her gun and looking for a new magazine.
XXXXXX

"Winn, how good to see you!" exclaimed Kara "I thought you'd forgotten about me."
"No, I haven’t forgotten you.” Winn replied
"And to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" she asked, smiling sideways.
"I'm just checking the readings of your results," Winn said.
"That won’t fix anything, why won’t you guys let it be?"
"We're not going to give up on you, Kara," he said seriously.
"Oh, you humor me, Winn," she teased, "but what I need is not analysis or stupid readings of my results.”
"We're helping you, Kara” Winn insisted on calling her by her name, as if that might keep his little friend from disappearing. But Kara ignored his words.
"If you get me out of here, I'll do you a favor ... What would you think if I make Mon-El disappear? Lucy would be free so you could conquer her”
"That would be horrible," Winn said in disgust.
"And you still wonder why women like Lucy or Lena do not notice you? You're short of guts, Winn Schott Jr”
Kara knew where exactly to hit each of the people in her life to do the most damage, and Winn was no exception.
"You don’t really mean that," he mumbled.
"I bet you I do," Kara said, putting her hands on the reinforced glass in her cell. “Women do not like weak and cowardly men like you, Winn, why do you think I didn’t give you the time of day?
Winn clenched her teeth. His taut jaw made Kara laugh.
"Quickly finish those useless readings and get out," she spat " your pathetic presence bothers me.”
With that said, she turned her back on him and lay back down on the bench in the back of the cell.
XXXXXX

Later that afternoon, Kara was organizing the clothes she had taken from the apartment of the Kara of that world, she had to choose what she would wear the next day to return to CatCo as a reporter. Lena knocked on her door and Kara turned to her.
"I've been thinking about it, Kara, and I'd prefer you not to wear my girlfriend's clothes," she said seriously. "I'll buy you whatever you need, don’t worry about it.
"I understand, but I don’t want you to spend money ..."
"Forget about that, I have enough money to renovate a wardrobe several times over," said the young CEO, "it's not that I boast about it, it's just the truth, and for me it's important, that's why I told you”
"Okay, Lena," Kara agreed, "but I don’t want to bother you anymore. I'll tell Alex to come shopping with me”
"Okay, I told the clerks to load everything on my account.”
“Thank you”
When Lena left the room, Kara stopped smiling. Her request was most logical, it would be difficult to have her swarming around with her girlfriends look, especially her clothing.
Lena was thinking about it, too.
"I'm sorry, Kara, after what happened to me this morning, the last thing I need is to see you in her clothes to torture my memories even more," she told herself
XXXXXX

"You let yourself lose?" Alex whispered as she felt Maggie's hands trailing along her bare back.
"Your point is?" Maggie, who was sitting on the back of her girlfriend. "You needed this massage, did you not?"
"Of course," Alex admitted. "I needed it a lot”
She couldn’t restrain herself letting out a soft moan at her bride's caress. Maggie smiled and bent over her to place small kisses on her skin. Alex sighed with closed eyes. She was planning on giving Maggie a massage in return, but given the events, maybe that massage would have to wait.

Suddenly her cell phone rang, startling her. Maggie raised her head and saw that it was Kara-38, as they called her between them to clarify.
"Come on, take it, it might be important," Maggie said with some annoyance, getting off her girlfriend.
Alex sat up in bed, caressing Maggie in the stomach when she had her sitting next to her, and picked up the phone.
"Kara?"
"Alex, I'm sorry to call you at this hour, but I need you to do me a favor"
"I'm sorry too, little Danvers!"
"Is that Maggie?" Kara asked in surprise.
“Yes”
"Did I interrupt something? I'm so sorry” Kara said with remorse.
"Okay, Maggie was just kidding." Alex gave Maggie a forceful whack on her arm, making her laugh. "What's the matter?
“I need to buy new clothes and I would like you to accompany me, as there are different things about my world, I do not want to mess with anything”
"True, you told me that some buildings are different or they are in different places. We'll have to hurry, because it's late, are we picking you up at Lena's or ...? Kara did not give her time to finish the sentence.
"I'm here ... on your balcony!" Kara answered from the apartment Alex and Maggie shared.
"Fucking Supergirl ..." cried Maggie, looking for her shirt. Alex shrugged with a smile.
"Are you coming with us?"
"I don’t want to slow you down, and as you told Kara, it's late, stores will close soon enough”
"Okay, but when I get back, we'll finish what you started-"
Alex walked over and kissed her lips.
"My massage?" She exclaimed excitedly.
"Mine was not over yet! “Alex exclaimed "So long, Sawyer."
Alex smiled at her, but her expression changed as she left the bedroom. If Maggie was not suffering from her sister's attack, she would not have hesitated to accompany them.
“All good?” Kara asked when she saw her pensive face.
"Yes, everything’s all right, shall we?"
Kara nodded, already dressed in street clothes, and together they left the apartment.
XXXXXX

"I think I'll have enough for a couple of weeks," Kara announced when she saw Lena enter the room.
"Fine, and if you need more, do not hesitate to buy it," Lena said. Kara nodded with a small smile.
Lena was about to leave but she turned on her heel and walked to Kara. she took her hand, catching her attention.
"Thank you, Kara, this is something I really needed”
"I know, Lena”
“Goodnight” Lena stood on tiptoe, without heels, Kara was a few inches taller, and kissed her cheek.
“... night ..." Kara managed, then stared at the doorway through which Lena had disappeared.